The Carleton Board of Governors is holding online elections for its student representatives on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26. Students will elect two undergraduate representatives and two graduate representatives to serve a one-year term from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.
The Charlatan asked each candidate for a 100-word written profile of themselves. Profiles have been edited for clarity.
Undergraduate candidates
Davin Caratao
I’m Davin Caratao, a first-year public affairs and policy management student. I believe students have lost their faith in Carleton’s institutions and I want to renew that trust. I have extensive experience for a first-year student. I was previously elected Halton Catholic District School Board student trustee, a role like undergraduate governor, and I successfully furthered student interests.
The Board of Governors has the power to help or hinder students more than anyone else. I’ll make sure it helps. I hope students next year will pay less in fees. I hope the school will support more clubs, events and services, especially mental health. I hope we can divest from fossil fuel companies.
Find my Instagram @isitdavincaratao or see my bio on the Carleton website to join me in making these ideas a reality!
Lisa Tsintsadze Gouseinov
Hi Ravens! I’m a third-year student pursuing a bachelor of arts combined honours in European and Russian Studies and Political Science with a concentration in international relations.
I’m running because I want to make a real difference and give back to the Carleton community that has given me so much.
Serving as your senator, faculty of public affairs ambassador, department representative and European and Russian Studies Society president has given me a good foundation and experience in understanding the issues facing our student body.
My key priorities are advocating for your interests, Carleton to be number one in sustainability, affordable tuition costs, ensuring a safe return to campus, mental health initiatives, and promoting a strong, united community.
Holden Heppler
My name is Holden Heppler and I am running for undergraduate governor to advocate for students by helping make university more affordable, make our campus more environmentally conscious through divestment, and to increase the quality of mental health resources at Carleton.
I am a third-year political science student with a minor in economics. I have previously been on the executive board for Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur and Heritage Museum in my hometown of Warner, Alta.
I have been a residence fellow for the past two years. During these two years I have fought for climate divestment with Climate Action Carleton and have advocated for greater mental health services. I hope to bring my vision and experience to the table and fight for all students.
Anastasia Lettieri
Hi, my name is Anastasia Lettieri! Now more than ever, it is important that students have a strong voice at the table. As undergraduate governor, I will develop a strong relationship with our student and residence associations to advocate for a budget that reflects the challenges students face every day, with no tuition increases.
I strongly believe that the resources and flexibility established for students during the pandemic, such as grade reforms, must become permanent because their challenges will not end when the pandemic does.
Through increased availability and outreach, as well as collaboration with ongoing initiatives, I will fight to implement financial support for students. I am committed to facilitating an equity advisory committee, increasing mental health resources, as well as climate action.
I am confident that through my work experiences and campus involvement, I am the candidate that students can put their trust in.
Liam Lowe
My name is Liam Lowe and I am studying economics in my third year at Carleton. I am running for the Board of Governors because I hope to be a voice for the undergraduate body.
I have a goal of transparently advocating for students while simultaneously working with the university to keep making the best decisions for Carleton and its growth.
I have had the experience of serving as a CUSA councillor for the faculty of public affairs and volunteering in politics. I hope to advocate for the right ideas as the pandemic is going on. I hope to make sure that we can make the right decisions to help Carleton students who are studying in Canada and all around the world.
Geetinder Singh
I want to be the voice for Carleton students by building a platform based on integrity, dedication and empathy. These are my core values and I want to be the voice for greater student support at Carleton. This past year has been especially difficult on my fellow students and I want to act as a liaison between students, faculty and the Board of Governors to improve campus conditions.
My key policies include electoral and executive transparency, greater use of harm reduction strategies on campus (e.g. naloxone kits on campus) and advocating for zero-tolerance campus policies on harassment and bullying.
Graduate candidates
Allison Brown
I’m Allison Brown. I did my bachelor of arts degree at the University of British Columbia and am doing my master of arts degree at Carleton in political science. I was born in B.C. but have studied and worked in Italy, Slovenia and Spain.
I’m running because I voiced my concerns as a student and now I want to listen. I collaborated with others or took on leadership roles as the co-president for Rotex 5060, the co-editor for UBC’s women and gender studies student editorial, and was on a Member of Parliament’s youth council.
I hope to listen, learn and lead our community to healthier and happier days.
Harjit Kaur Daljit Singh Khalsa
I am Harjit Kaur, from India. I completed a bachelor of engineering from the G. H. Raisoni College of Engineering in Nagpur, India. Currently, I am pursuing a master of civil engineering from Carleton University.
During my bachelor’s, I was an active participant in extracurricular activities which have developed my soft skills, and social and leadership skills. My participation has been extensive and so is my experience. Some notable prior experience include vice president of Departmental Forum, Board of Studies member, class representative and Discipline Committee member.
As student governor, I expect to enrich my skills, make sound and quick judgments, and build new connections. Having substantive experience in similar roles, I consider myself an excellent candidate for the role of graduate student governor.
Risha Minocha-McKenney
I try my best to be a positive person; even through difficult times like the past year I try to come up with solutions to make things better. I am also a person who feels immense fulfilment through giving back and making sure that everyone has a chance to be heard and feel heard.
I think it’s important for students to have a representative who is passionate about public service and is willing to go the extra mile to be a good advocate. Overall, I plan to work hard to provide valuable contributions for the betterment of the university.
Kaushal Panchal
My name is Kaushal Panchal and I am an international first-year graduate student from India at Carleton University!
Talking about my experience at Carleton University so far, I have been a volunteer at the Campus Activity Board. Also, I am the secretary of the Ananda Marga Yoga and Meditation Club. Furthermore, I am a department representative at the Graduate Students’ Association.
I have gained interpersonal skills through participation in these activities. Hence, I would like to apply those skills in this position.
Despite the entire semester being shifted online, I’ve managed to personally get to know about 200 students at Carleton!
This role demands analytical skills and leadership skills, hence I would like to challenge and back myself for living up to the expectations of the student governor role.
